Millions of Google users warned about five signs they’re being scammed and the blue ribbon to never ignore

CYBERSECURITY experts have warned Google users to be careful when receiving messages.

Certain messages are clear signs of fraud and should be ignored and deleted.

Specialists in Micro Trend revealed five popular Google Chat scams on the cybersecurity site’s blog.

The list scam involves romance and can appear in many forms.

ROMANIAN SCAMS

You may receive a message from a fake profile asking you to be friends or chat.

If the conversation quickly turns romantic and you are suddenly asked for money, this is a warning sign.

“These scams often involve emotional manipulation to deceive victims,” Trend Micro warned.

COMMON PHISHING

Common phishing may involve a scammer actively seeking information such as your address, password, and date of birth.

This could come in the form of a fake survey sent to you or another malicious link that could steal your private information.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT SCAM

If you receive a message from technical support via Google chat, be very careful.

“Technical support scams involve scammers posing as Google Chat representatives or technical support agents.

“They claim there is a problem with your account or device and request remote access or payment to resolve the issue,” explains Trend Micro.

Google technical support would not contact you this way.

JOB OFFERS

Another fraud trend highlighted by the expert involves false job offers.

It’s not common to receive a job offer through Google Chat, and if the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be sure to do thorough research when it comes to new career opportunities.

INVESTMENT SCAMS

If you are offered an investment opportunity online, it is also worth doing your own research.

This is a common technique used by scammers to take your money and give you nothing in return.

“These scams are very popular on many platforms, and Google Chat is no different.

“Scammers may promise high returns on investments or ask for money to invest in fake opportunities,” warns Trend Micro.

Top tips to avoid bank scams

As scams become more sophisticated through the use of artificial intelligence, it’s important that you know how to spot them and how to avoid them.

• Be skeptical of online businesses that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
• Scammers often use tactics to make you panic so that you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are asked to take immediate action and check who has contacted you.
• Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.”
• Never send money to someone you’ve only spoken to online or on the phone, as this is likely a romantic scam.
• Unless you know 100% who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device.
• Never accept help from strangers at ATMs and always be careful when making withdrawals.
• Do not send money or click on links that indicate you have won a prize.

Source: Chase.com